One India, Equal In Love: Supreme Court Ends Section 377

Homosexuality is not an offence in India, five Supreme Court judges declared today in a spectacular verdict for the gay rights movement in the country. The Supreme Court reversed its own 2013 decision and said Section 377, a controversial British-era ban on consensual gay sex, is irrational and arbitrary. "We have to bid adieu to prejudices and to empower all citizens," Chief Justice of India Dipak Mishra said, reading out the judgement. Four judges gave a concurrent judgement.

"Section 377" banned "carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal" - which was interpreted to refer to homosexual sex.

The Chief Justice said: "No one can escape from their individualism. Society is now better for individualism. In the present case, our deliberations will be on various spectrums."

Respect for individual choice is the essence of liberty; LGBT community possesses equal rights under the Constitution," the Supreme Court said.

Under the 1861 law, gay sex was punishable by up to 10 years in jail. Although prosecution under Section 377 is not common, gay activists said the police used the law to harass and intimidate members of their community.

The ban on gay sex was challenged by five high-profile petitioners who said they were living in fear of being punished.

The petitioners argued that Section 377 violates rights and principles enshrined in the constitution, like equality before law, no discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth and freedom of speech and expression.

The Supreme Court had in 2013 cancelled a Delhi high court order that had decriminalized homosexuality by overturning the outdated law and said it was the job of parliament to decide on scrapping laws.

The Supreme Court this year said the court "cannot wait for a majoritarian government" to decide on enacting, amending or striking down a law if it violates fundamental rights.

In 2009, the Delhi High Court had described Section 377 as a violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the constitution. It had responded to a petition by Naz Foundation, which has fought for almost a decade for gay rights.